Ritual set of jade cups, bowls, plates and chopsticks, Warring Kingdoms Period

Exceptional ritual set composed of eight pieces made of jade in warm tones that vary between caramel brown, amber and opaque green, with veins and nuances typical of ancient mineralogy. The set consists of two cups, two bowls, two plates and two chopsticks, forming a ceremonial trousseau of great sophistication.

The bowls have a cylindrical shape raised on a small ring-shaped foot, with decoration in relief of horizontal bands, with a central frieze of taotie motifs in a schematic design, combining spiral elements and interlaced lines. Above and below this frieze are delicate incised motifs of stylised clouds and lines. The bowls, which have an open shape and a gently curved rim, also have a ring-shaped base. Their surface is decorated with a central frieze of finely carved Archaic-style geometric and spiral motifs, accompanied by discreet incised lines. The plates, which have a low profile and a wide rim, have incised decoration on the outside, consisting of spiral and wave motifs in concentric registers. The base of the plates has a plain central medallion surrounded by an engraved frieze, in which the classic patterns of ritual iconography are repeated. The chopsticks, also made of jade, have a polished surface, with fine decorative engraved lines and slightly conical ends for ease of use.

These types of ensembles, related to ritual practices and ceremonial banquets, reflect the importance of ritual in ancient Chinese culture. Combatant Kingdoms period (475-221 BC) or later.

Size plates: 2.6 x 11.5 cm; Size bowls: 4 x 7.5 cm; Size cups: 6 x 6.5 cm; Length chopsticks: 21.4 cm

Total weight: 942 g

Provenance:

· Collection of Tommy Lam, Hong Kong, from 1980